The two-wheeler industry offers exciting times ahead for motorheads with a series of launches ahead of the festive season. From scooters to superbikes, they are vrooming in all sizes and shapes. Let's check them out.
Ducati SuperSport
Expected price: Rs 14 lakh
Ducati is gearing up to launch the SuperSport, which could be your everyday superbike. While the Panigale range is more track focused, the Ducati SuperSport is tuned for commuting duties apart from the occasional track visits. The SuperSport is powered by a 937 cc Testastretta 11°, L-twin liquid cooled engine that makes 110 hp and 93 Nm of torque. The bike also gets a 6-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) and a wet multi-plate clutch.
TVS Akula 310
Expected price: Rs 2-2.75 lakh
The new flagship from the TVS stable has been seen testing with and without camouflage and the bike will be launched around the upcoming festive season. The TVS Akula 310 is the result of TVS teaming up with BMW, which will also lead to the launch of BMW G310R in a couple of years. Powered by a 300 cc engine, the Akula 310 may be rechristened as TVS RR 310S and will feature dual projector headlamps, DRLs, upside down front suspension, fully digital instrument cluster, ABS and petal disc brakes.
Hero Xtreme 200S
Expected price: Rs 95,000
Hero’s new flagship will be the Hero Xtreme 200S, based on the Xtreme 150. The Xtreme 200S will get a new 200 cc engine and will get bigger panels, front and rear disc brakes, LED tail lamp and more. We were more interested in the XF3R, the other bike Hero showcased along with the Xtreme 200S, but there is no news about its launch by far.
Hero Dare
Expected price: Rs 55,000
Hero showcased the Dare scooter at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. The 125 cc Dare will get LED headlamp and tail lamps, charging port and more. Alloy wheels were shown in the prototype and it is not confirmed yet whether it will be available for on-the-road model and so are the front and rear disc brakes.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 750
Expected price: Rs 3.5 lakh
There have been several sightings of Royal Enfield Continental GT 750 testing extensively. The Continental GT 750 will take the fight to Harley Davidson's territory with a new 750 cc engine that is expected to make over 45 hp. RE could also give the bike a new name to create its own identity. A new 6-speed gearbox is also expected and the bike could also get an ABS system making the 750 the first RE to get such feature.
Royal Enfield Himalayan FI
Expected price: Rs 1.80 lakh
Royal Enfield has stopped the sale of its successful Himalayan to update the bike to BS-IV norms and give it fuel injection. The Himalayan FI has already started to reach the dealerships for customers to test drive. There are no other mechanical or cosmetic updates and the Himalayan will remain unchanged. There have been several complaints about the Himalayan with respect to its mechanicals and build quality. Hope RE has lent its ears and corrected faults.
Benelli Leoncino
Expected price: Rs 1.50 lakh
Benelli displayed the Leoncino at the 2015 EICMA show and the company may launch the retro looking bike in India this year. The Leoncino combines classic styling with modern technology with curvy tank, 50mm upside down front suspension, chubby tyres, ABS and more. The 499.6 cc engine makes a maximum power of 47 PS and a peak torque of 45 Nm.
TVS Jupiter 125
Expected price: Rs 60,000
TVS is readying a 125 cc, fuel injected version of its Jupiter scooter. The Jupiter 125 FI will feature a front disc brake, semi-digital instrument cluster and alloy wheels. Upon launch, the Jupiter 125 FI will go against the likes of Honda Activa 125 and Suzuki Access 125 but the Jupiter 125 FI will make it the first scooter to get the technology.
Yamaha Nozza Grande
Expected price: Rs 60,000-65,000
Yamaha has been seen testing a new scooter in the country, which has been identified as the Yamaha Nozza Grande. Upon launch, this will be the fifth scooter in the company’s portfolio. The Nozza Grande is powered by a 125 cc engine and will be treated as a premium product to go against the likes of Piaggio Vespa.
Yamaha R3 BS4
Expected price: Rs 3.50 lakh
Yamaha R3 received both critical and commercial success when it was launched but Yamaha had to stop the sales due to the BS-IV upgrade. The bike will retain the same 321 cc parallel twin engine and is expected to get the same power and torque outputs. However, the older R3 missed out on ABS and we hope the new R3 will get the feature as its competition has an upper hand with ABS.
Bajaj Pulsar RS400
Expected price: Rs 1.75-2 lakh
Bajaj RS400 is based on the Bajaj Dominar and will get the same 375 cc engine but with higher power output. ABS and projector headlamps are expected to be standard. The company has been delaying the launch but we expect the model to reach the showrooms for this festive season.
Kawasaki Versys X-300
Expected price: Rs 3 lakh
There have been reports suggesting that Kawasaki is interested in launching the Versys adventure range in India and if it turns out to be a reality, the first bike will be the Kawasaki Versys X-300. The Versys X-300 will be brought in as CKD and assembled in India. The 296 cc engine is water cooled and the bike comes with ABS as standard.
Triumph Street Triple R and RS
Expected price: Rs 9.25 lakh
Triumph India has launched the Street Triple S in June this year and will soon launch the R and RS versions of the Street Triple. While the S was the base variant, the Street Triple R and RS will benefit from higher power output and more features such as Triumph’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), wheel pinstripes, fully adjustable rear suspension and more.
